Disc number facts for kids

Disc numbers, also called ujamiit or ujamik in the Inuit language, were like special ID tags used by the Government of Canada. They were given to Inuit people instead of family names (surnames).

Before Europeans arrived, Inuit people didn't use family names. Children were given names by elders. But by the 1940s, groups like missionaries, traders, and the government needed to keep better records. To help with this, the government decided to use the disc number system.

What Were Disc Numbers?

The discs were small, about an inch wide, and made of a strong, reddish-brown material like pressed fiber or leather. They had a hole so they could be tied with a caribou leather string. People would sew them into their parkas (warm coats) to keep them safe, or sometimes wear them around their neck.

Each disc had "Eskimo Identification Canada" written around its edge. In the middle, there was a picture of a crown. Below the crown was the special number.

How the Numbers Worked

The numbers on the discs were made of different parts:

• E meant the person lived east of Gjoa Haven.
• W meant they lived in the west.
• Next came a one or two-digit number that showed the area the person was from.
• The last set of numbers identified the individual person.

For example, a young woman known to her family by names like "Lutaaq" or "Annie" would be called something like "Annie E7-121" under this system.

These disc numbers were used in the Northwest Territories (which included what is now Nunavut) from 1941 until 1978.

Disc Numbers Today

Even today, you might see disc numbers on Inuit art like carvings and prints. Some Inuit artists have even made music about them. For example, the Inuk singer Susan Aglukark recorded a song called E186 in 2000. Another artist, Lucie Idlout, released a CD in 2005 called E5-770, My Mother's Name.

Most Inuit today are glad the disc number system is gone. However, some people keep their old discs as special personal items because they have sentimental value.

It's important to know that this system was not used in Labrador. Labrador had not yet joined Canada. In 1893, Inuit in Labrador who didn't have modern family names were given them by Moravian missionaries.

Giving Inuit Their Names Back: Project Surname

In 1965, Abe Okpik became the first Inuk person to join the 5th Northwest Territories Legislative Council, which is like a local government. In 1966, Simonie Michael became the first Inuk person elected to this council. He made it clear that he did not want to be known by his disc number.

Because of this, the Government of the Northwest Territories decided to replace the disc numbers with proper family names. Abe Okpik was chosen to lead a special project called Project Surname.

From 1968 to 1971, Okpik traveled all over the Northwest Territories and northern Quebec (an area called Nunavik). He met with people and recorded what family names they wanted to use. Because of his important work helping Inuit people get their own names back, Abe Okpik later received the Order of Canada, which is a high honor.

See also

• Surname law